A minor event happened recently that I didn’t give much thought at the time.
A supplier billed us for goods received. But there was an honest mistake in that they billed us for an amount that was a few thousand SHORT of what it should have been. We brought it to their attention right away and had them re-bill for the higher/correct amount. It was second nature, as it should have been.
But I do wonder: Would this have been “automatic” for all businesses? Or would they have paid the lower amount and looked the other way?
I have no idea what % would fall into each side of the issue. But here’s what I DO know:
If MY business made the same mistake, I would hope that my customer would alert me and allow me to fix it. This certainly beats the awkward situation of catching our own mistake than bringing it to THEIR attention and asking to re-bill. And that assumes we would actually catch it.
Doesn’t this sound like the “golden rule” principle for dealing with partners?
The golden rule extends beyond how you “treat” people, it goes to the level of candor and honesty you have in your actual business practices. The day to day grind of paying bills, receiving money, and communicating openly and honestly vs. playing your cards very close to the vest.
This can be considered a slant on “Old School vs. New School.” I can certainly make the case that customer and supplier relationships in the ’90’s were more combative than today.
Businesses are starting to realize that joint success, collaboration and integrity are not “choices” if you intend to have long-term strategic relationships. The key word of course is LONG-term.
Back to my original question: What % would NOT “do the right thing?.” Lets suppose that this # approaches double digits and it likely does.
If that’s the case, than wouldn’t operating the RIGHT way be a competitive advantage? I think so….
The business case for doing things the right way is simple. Many do not. If you DO, you create an intangible difference. Positive differences tilt the deck in your favor.
For me however, I would just rather sleep well at night.
I would also like to know who I’m dealing with that wouldn’t do the right thing. Life is short and business is too competitive to worry about these little things, that end up being big things.